Listening to the latest release from Bill Wood and the Woodies is like experiencing an playlist curated by a discerning fan of well-crafted songwriting. Each song—all written by 40-year industry veteran Wood—has a classic, timeless quality. As a whole, the work transcends genre; hence the album’s title, Radiola, which references Wood’s lifelong love of a wide spectrum of musical formats.
Somehow Wood is able to write original tunes that sound both fresh and also somehow familiar. His secret could be attributed to some 40 years of songwriting practice: you may recall Wood from 80s Canadian pop band/Juno nominees EyeEye (Out on a Limb, Endless Night, My Sensation). In the years since, throughout a period of raising a family and working in construction and various social services environments while continuing to write and perform music, Wood has amassed a library of lived experience that inform his songwriting with truth, compassion and honesty.
Like the very best radio station, the tunes on Radiola range from the Beatle-esque “Lucky in Love” to “All Comes Down to the Money,” that borrows from the New Orleans brass procession style. “Tumbleweeds,” “Alice was Dancing” and “Rain Bus” are rootsy and haunting. “Me and You” can stand its ground against any classic ballad.
Take a listen. You don’t even have to turn a dial.